Museum of the Moving Image image

Museum of the Moving Image

Tourist attraction Museum Event venue Movie theater Arts organization

One of the Top rated Movie theaters in New York


Address

36-01 35th Ave, Queens, NY 11106

Website

movingimage.org

Contact

(718) 777-6800

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 12 to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 6 PM
  • Monday: (Memorial Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 2 to 6 PM
  • Friday: 2 to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (42) exhibit (24) exhibits (19) museums (18) interactive (18) Henson (17) Museum (13) history (12) film (12) floor (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 B. L. 2 years ago on Google
    A museum focused on the history of cinema and media. It's recommended that you make a ticket reservation online as there are dedicated time slots. Tickets were $15, so very reasonably priced. You'll find an array of exhibits that span quite a long period and over several genres of media. Whether it's Jim Henson's Muppets or Star Wars, there's a rotating set of exhibits for different pieces. It's highly recommended to plan ahead and see what new exhibit is coming along at the time you want to go.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Demar A. 2 years ago on Google
    📸🎥📷🎞📹🤳📽🎦. I went there for a wedding and got to explore the museum in its entirety. I LOVED the experience. (1) Amazing venue for a wedding. (2) From Mortal Kombat to Sesame Street, it really took me back to my childhood. You can even play old arcade games there and see vintage / historical filmmaking equipment. (3) You can make your own personal flip book - it's a lot of fun and a cool memorabilia. (4) Very friendly staff ☺️
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany G. 6 months ago on Google • 254 reviews
    This is one of the coolest museums I’ve ever been to for film/tv history. There are cameras from every decade, a rotating exhibit on the top floor (in this case that was a Spanish mid-century filmmaker), and there was an incredible Jim Henson exhibit as well as a Laika exhibit! Great to bring family or friends to! Lots of hands on fun too! I needed more time. As an actor, this was my favorite museum in NY.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 C J. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to spend an afternoon. Compared to other museums, it’s on the small side. Still, for movie lovers, it’s a fun spot to check out. They have a few interactive exhibits that, on busy days, require quite the wait. Also, their gift shop is one of my favorites. Free admission every Thursday from 2pm-6pm & Free admission for NYC Teachers with valid ID.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayly R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum! We had so much fun! The third floor has many interactive exhibits, and we could try recording voices, stop motion animation, soundtrack picking, Foley art. Great way to learn and have fun at the same time. The second level has an incredible Jim Henson exhibit- so much nostalgia. Honestly, incredible. Worth it to visit when you're in the city! Would highly recommend for anyone looking for something fun, but not super touristy.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Chichi J. 4 months ago on Google • 152 reviews
    Great exhibitions. Poor customer service of some employees. A white security guard followed us everywhere. I had to tell him to stop and promised that even though we paid the entry fees, that we will not steal anything. ..smh, this is 2023.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brennan C. 8 months ago on Google • 94 reviews
    So glad I finally checked this place out! My family was visiting from out of town and it was a really fun way to escape the midday heat. Like everyone else, we really enjoyed the Jim Henson exhibit. We didn’t do any of the additional ticketed screenings, but they looked interesting.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter M. 4 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    One of the coolest museums I’ve ever seen. Time flew as I travelled inside this time capsule that took me through my childhood memories. Even better experiencing them with my parents and my son as we all could relate to the magic that TV and movies has had in our lives. I highly recommend this museum. A hidden gem in Astoria, Queens.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miranda B. 5 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    I really enjoyed my visit here! The exhibitions are very well-designed and there are plenty of interactive activities great for both kids and adults. I especially recommend this museum for anyone who’s interested in seeing the fine details of how films are made.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan T. 2 years ago on Google
    This museum seems small in terms of square footage but there are so many cool things to see (and do). Moving images span both movies and television so the exhibits span both. There was a Jim Henson exhibit when I went, and it's definitely worth seeing. It explores all his creations from The Muppets to Sesame Street to movies like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. I'm so glad I visited.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matthew G. 3 months ago on Google • 125 reviews New
    Lot of fun for old and young film buffs alike. Props, scenic, costume and set pieces are on exhibit from films from the Muppets to the Exorcist. View vintage film equipment and test interactive experiences. A stunning screening room shows all sorts of special films. A few or the exhibits were down or out of order which was a little disappointing but not a major detraction to our experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kristen 2 years ago on Google
    It was a cute museum for something fun to do on a rainy day but I honestly expected more for the $15 per adult admission fee. It seems they have some exhibits under construction though so maybe they will have more to see in the future. If you are a film lover you will love to see all the history and film memorabilia they have on display, as well as the old televisions and video cameras. There is a large exhibit dedicated to Jim Henson and the muppets/sesame street. Overall had a fun time, just wish there were more exhibits for the admission price.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paulina K. 6 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Such a fun experience! It was amazing getting to see the behind the scenes of popular films and shows. I didn’t expect there to be so many interactive elements and I was pleasantly surprised. There was an area to make a stopmotion film, a recording studio where you can dub over clips from films, some free arcade games like NBA Jam, a booth to create your own muppet, and a place to practice your puppet skills. This is a place I would definitely come back to, especially since you get admission to one screening of your choice with your entrance fee. I can’t recommend this place enough, especially for kids!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jasmine S. 3 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    The Museum of the Moving Image is a dynamic and interactive space that keeps you interested and captivated at each turn. Although only three floors, I spent almost 2 hours inside of this museum. The third floor showcased the history of moving images. I loved tinkering with the interactive components, and getting a tangible sense of how many of these methods for capturing movement were used. As the exhibit progressed, it felt like following along a timeline from the oldest to newest equipment. The second floor as also pretty magical, all thanks to the Jim Henson exhibit. Seeing all of the muppets and characters brought out my inner child. I also recommend stepping inside the Egyptian theatre, which was also pretty surreal. If you walk up the ramp on the lefthand side there is a surprise (hint: pull the cord!). This museum is a gem in Queens, and I am so glad I visited. I visited the museum on a Sunday afternoon. It wasn't busy at all, and there is a really sleek, modern space on the first floor to rest and have some snacks. The space was very clean and well maintained. Although small, the gift shop also has some great MOMI merchandise.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron M. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing experience, both visually and educationally. You learn so much about the history of film, and they have quite a few interactive exhibits to keep children and adults alike entertained. It's practically a must-go for pop culture enthusiasts and movie buffs.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deema T. 11 months ago on Google
    This museum was one of my favorites! Many many cool finds if you’re interested in any from of media, including the complete history of tv, animation, and radio and many insights of other media forms like live tv, stop motion animation. The Jim Henson exhibition has so much on the puppetry history and process 😍 the interior and branding of the museum is overall very lovely, and many sections of the museum were interactive which was nice 🤍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anthony L. 2 years ago on Google
    The Jim Henson exhibit is amazing! So much cool stuff from his career. The rest of the museum is also worth looking at. Wish they had a bit more (I believe they’re in the process of adding in another exhibit on the 3rd floor though).
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eduardo P. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to the Museum of the Moving Image earlier today, specifically to the Jim Henson exhibition. It wasn't a particularly big exhibition, but the stuff that was there was super interesting and in excellent condition. I became a Muppets/Henson fan an adult, when I was a kid I was never into them. Nevertheless, I got a little misty-eyed in front of Kermit (it was friggin' Kermit the Frog, right there in front of me! I would have bawled my eyes out had the Rainbow Connection been playing in the background).
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erik Z. 4 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    This was a great museum. It is very interactive, lots of things to do. You were allowed to recreate famous movies scenes with different sound effects. You were allowed to create sprite animations with computers. You were allowed to create your own stop motion animations. I highly recommend this museum if you are looking for a lot of interactive activities.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Agata N. 4 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    As a photographer I like this place! I like to see how the miracles were made. I love everything about the puppet show. Old cameras impressed me. One of my favorite museums 😍
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John A. 2 years ago on Google
    Small museum (three floors) but quite awesome. I can't believe I have never been here before. It's clean and the displays are great if you are a TV/Movie fan (and who isn't?). The Linda Blair dummy prop is my favorite. Really cool and interesting place. Go when it's not crowded so you can really take your time and see everything!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David F. 10 months ago on Google
    Really enjoyed our visit to the Museum of the Moving Image. The highlight here is the exhibit featuring the story of Jim Henson and the Muppets. I learned a lot and it was a ton of fun. The exhibit could have taken up the entire building. They just need more about my favorite muppet, Animal. The exhibit showcasing the history of TVs, cameras, and sound equipment was fascinating as well. Worth the trip to Astoria!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patty M. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is awesome! It has a lot to see for such a small museum. If you're around the area or like film and television, def stop by.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here during BoA free museum weekend. The museum itself was a bit smaller than I expected but the experience was super fun.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex C. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved it! The Jim Henson exhibit brought back so many memories. They had all the muppets, sesame street, and the dark crystal puppets on display. On the 3rd floor they had the 2001 Space Odyssey replicas. Probably the most nostalgic I've ever felt about a museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maya 1 year ago on Google
    I was weary on coming here , because I'm more of the type to be interested in abandoned homes/hospitals with creepy stories behind them, however this one was amazing. They have all sorts of exhibits, including a mask that Chewbacca wore in one of the Original movies. It was very incredible, highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Honest R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit, it's usually an interactive museum but, due to COVID-19, you can only look at the items. Overall, five stars, its a great place if you are into movies and television. Bathrooms are on site for visitors. The food court and museum shop are currently closed due to COVID-19. And, there is a theater on the premises. You should buy your tickets ahead of time. Also, there is an elevator that goes from floor to floor for each exhibit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arjun A. 2 years ago on Google
    A museum (/mjuːˈziːəm/ mew-ZEE-əm; plural museums or, rarely, musea) is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance. Many public museums make these items available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary.[1] The largest museums are located in major cities throughout the world, while thousands of local museums exist in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. Museums have varying aims, ranging from the conservation and documentation of their collection, serving researchers and specialists to catering to the general public. The goal of serving researchers is not only scientific, but intended to serve the general public. Map of museums all over the world (interactive version) Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, D.C. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Site Museum in Shaanxi province, China House of Slaves, a museum and memorial to the Atlantic slave trade, in Gorée, Senegal Anne Frank House, Amsterdam There are many types of museums, including art museums, natural history museums, science museums, war museums, and children's museums. The world's largest and most visited museums include the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the National Museum of China in Beijing, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the British Museum and National Gallery in London, and the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. According to the International Council of Museums (ICOM), there are more than 55,000 museums in 202 countries.[2]
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 mia g. 2 years ago on Google
    it was nice to visit and look at the old times!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jean 3 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Smaller scale museum that provides great history of the technology behind capturing the moving image. Many authentic historical equipment exhibits. Good descriptions. Wonderful permanent Jim Henson exhibit, which is a featured museum display and definitely worth the time. Henson's vision, insight and talent were instrumental in creating historic children's television programs. Both Sesame Street and The Muppet Show are truly classic instructional and revolutionary entertainment for the whole family. Only suggestion is to dress in light layers as upper floors were very warm. Check your local library for an opportunity to secure museum passes in advance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 maggie p. 2 years ago on Google
    I hosted a private screening last night at The Museum and it was so beautiful. I felt very taken of. BG, the manager, took such good care of us. Fantastic communication- and such kindness. I was over the moon. An amazing place to host a private event! Thanks again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John K. 2 years ago on Google
    A good spot to get out of the cold and entertained for a few hours. Just small enough to not be overwhelming but just large enough to be worth it. Very child friendly; very well organized for COVID, etc.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manny L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum that brings back a lot of nostalgic memories. Love the throwback exhibits on video games and movies. In particular, the Jim Henson exhibit is amazing. If you're into learning about the history and stories behind the artists and exhibits, then Museum of the Moving Image is really satisfying. You'll learn a lot. Why? The interactive exhibitions are engaging, fascinating and seriously educational. Love the design, architecture and everything they to do here at this museum. A stellar experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen N. 9 months ago on Google
    There was some sort of mechanical issue on the day we arrived causing the top floor to be closed off. Due to this we received discounted entry and free water bottles. The staff were all very friendly which is always a pleasant plus! I loved seeing the design sketches of all the puppets but my favourite part has to be the playable retro arcade games on the second floor!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jeannette j. 1 year ago on Google
    A lot of fun! Love the Jim Henson exhibit, you feel like you're entering a nostalgic world of muppets! They even have a small movie theater inside the museum which was super cool. So much to see including trippy visuals, abstract art, short films and more! Fun place to take friends and family.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liz T. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most unique museum experiences in New York. An absolute must-see for cinophiles and movie lovers of all ages. The staff was knowledgeable and they all seem to be passionate about what they do. They layout of the exhibits was unique, I just can't wait to see this museum grow. Really a hidden gem and a great experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best museums I have been to. As a avid Jim Henson fan I was blown away by the exhibit, very fun and informative. The other exhibitions were incredible too I was very pleased I visited this little gem. A definite recommendation to anyone interested in film and moving image its a fantastic place and the staff were very friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex G. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely love this museum. If you're a cinema and overall media fan, then this is the place for you! However, what I especially love about the Museum of the Moving Imagine is the selection of movie screenings. The variety is vast so make sure to check their website. I recently checked out a series of short films by silent film star Buster Keaton. It was a treat!

  • 1/5 Bujar G. 6 months ago on Google
    Wish I could have truly enjoyed the museum without this one woman security guard with curly black/brown hair being extremely rude. I expected a museum in Astoria to be more friendly and if you didn’t want people to wonder about there should be visible signs that let you know where to go and where to stop. Multiple times me and my family didn’t know where things started and ended there was no sense of direction and it was not just our family. But the security and staff? Completely and utterly disgusted and disappointed to how they treat and talk to visitors. A lot of attitude and not one single person being polite, I didn’t appreciate that. The museum would have been better if their staff was nicer and much more respectful and polite. I wish it was just my family who experienced it but it was not. Definitely not recommending any other family members or friends who visit us in NYC to go here.

  • 5/5 Zach R. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely astonishing experience. All the displays were so informative and detailed. Completely transformative experience. Some artworks had picaresque features that made the walk through much more interactive.

  • 4/5 Radwa M. 9 months ago on Google
    Innovative museum about cinema and cartoons, the muppets part is very enjoyable and suitable for kids, smallish and can be finished in one visit

  • 5/5 Paolo De G. 2 years ago on Google
    Very cool museum, not so big but it's full of stuff to see

  • 4/5 Mira C. 1 year ago on Google
    my friend and i went on a friday but i recommend going on thrusdays when its free. the museum is about 4 floors and theres many different kinds of exhibits. most of them are interactive which is really fun and you can even make your own stop motion film. they have antique cinema pieces like props from Blade Runner (1985) and massive, borderline primitive, camaras used in the early cinema. it was really fun and they have private events and even movie showings. the current show stopper has to be the Laika exhibit with the original figurines from the movie Coraline (2009) and others.

  • 5/5 Devon L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a lovely museum with plenty of interactive exhibits that are fun for children and adults alike. MoMI takes you through a comprehensive timeline of film and TV history, displaying AV equipment through the ages, and even giving you the opportunity to use certain equipment, like the ADR studio. The Jim Henson exhibit was a highlight, and it was really cool getting to see props from some of my favorite films. They also have a beautiful movie theater on site where they play old movies throughout the day. We will definitely make a return visit!

  • 3/5 Estrella Munoz (iG E. 2 years ago on Google
    A last min plan to visit The Museum Of Moving Image turned out to be a pleasant laid back afternoon. Pre-covid possibly would’ve rated higher. The Jim Jenson exhibit really was cool, decades of puppetry, tv, vintage toys, and the story behind it all. Except for some vintage throwback arcade games you can purchase tokens for that were pretty awesome, none of the interactive exhibits were open. The cafe was not open, nor the shop, which made for some of the “shut down” feelings we are all pretty much over. There was a muppet movie section, where you walk into a mock theater. the setting and decor were great, only I could not escape the musty and strange smells as I walked downstairs through a cool looking corridor which led to a room with a projector and seats. I couldn’t stay long cause the smell was too much for me. Unfortunately, it made question the cleanliness of a dark space. There was not too much to see, but the current exhibits included vintage TV such as Star Trek, Dinosaurs, and the Simpsons are well worth the visit.


Call (718) 777-6800 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair rental
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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